Cabaret veteran Karen Akers, who triumphed last season with an evening of standards entitled "Time After Time," will return to the Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room next month with a brand new program.

From April 12-May 28, the singer-actress will offer "When a Lady Loves," which explores the themes of love, passion and desire. Accompanied by musical director Don Rebic on piano and Chip Jackson on bass, Akers will interpret tunes by Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, Cy Coleman, the Gershwins, Jerry Herman, Cole Porter, Charles Strouse and Jule Styne. Cabaretgoers can expect to hear Akers wrap her lush voice around such tunes as "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "I Get Along Without You Very Well," "The Laziest Gal in Town," "As Long As He Needs Me," "Just in Time" and "Stormy Weather." "When a Lady Loves" is directed by Richard Niles. Karen Akers received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut as Luisa Contini in the original Tommy Tune-directed production of Nine and returned to Broadway in another Tune musical, Grand Hotel. Her feature film credits include "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Heartburn" and "Vibes," and she was seen in an episode of the hit TV series "Cheers." It's been the concert/cabaret stage where Akers has been most praised. Her eight solo recordings — including "Presenting Karen Akers," "In a Very Unusual Way" and "If We Only Have Love" — are available on CD.

The Algonquin Hotel is located in New York City at 59 West 44th Street. Akers will play Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 9 PM with two shows on Friday and Saturday nights at 9 and 11:30 PM. There is a $50 cover charge for all shows as well as a food/drink minimum. For more information, call (212) 419-9331.